By Osita Mbonu
Top Arts 2025 Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is now showcasing the exceptional creativity and enthusiasm of 40 emerging artists from across Victoria. The exhibition, held at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Melbourne, runs from March 14 to July 20, 2025, and features 47 works selected from over 1,400 applicants.
This annual event, now in its 31st year, highlights the talents of students who excelled in the VCE Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice subjects. The diverse artworks span multiple media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital and mixed media, photography, textiles, and moving image.
The themes explored by these young artists are wide-ranging and deeply personal, touching on identity, societal pressures, isolation, injustice, the natural world, and the environment. For example, Arthur Foulke’s painting A Party in the Closet challenges gender stereotypes, while Amy Pham’s The Weight of Your World metaphorically addresses the influence of others’ opinions on personal identity.
The exhibition not only celebrates artistic excellence but also the resilience and creativity of students who completed their studies during the global pandemic. It offers an inspiring platform for young artists to present their work to the public at Australia’s most visited gallery, supported by education and public programs that engage students, teachers, and visitors alike.
Top Arts 2025 is free to the public and easily accessible via public transport at Federation Square, Melbourne. It continues to be a significant event for showcasing the next generation of Victorian creatives and their bold artistic voices.
